Winter season kicks off with opening of holiday ice rink

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has become synonymous
with winter and the holiday season in San Francisco.

This morning, the ice rink officially opened to celebrate its
fifth anniversary, kicking off the skating season.

The ice rink, which had a soft opening in 2007 before becoming an
official holiday staple in the city in 2008, is open daily through Jan. 21
from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with the exception of New Year's Eve, when it will
close at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the rink are $10 and $6 for ages 8 and under; skate
rentals cost $5. A portion of the proceeds goes to the San Francisco Boys &
Girls Club and the city's recreation and parks department.